Specialist pet resuscitation kits now being used in Wiltshire

Pets at Home, the KONG Company and local businesses, including Westbrook Computers, have donated life-saving pet resuscitation kits to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, developed to help save the lives of pets in case of an emergency.

Smokey Paws (a not for profit organisation giving lifesaving pet oxygen masks to UK fire services) was started to help save pets and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is pleased to be able to carry the kits on appliances across the two counties.

The specially designed pet oxygen masks have been developed to fit all manner of pets, from large dogs to small hamsters, snakes and cats.

Where a human oxygen mask will deliver 10% of the oxygen, these pet masks have been designed to deliver 90% of the available oxygen supply.

The kits have already proven to be a success in numerous fire and rescue services across the country, including Devon & Somerset and Kent, and are now being used in local fire stations including Amesbury, Dorchester, Gillingham, Poole, Portland, Salisbury, Shaftesbury and Swindon.

Station Manager Andy Cole said “We would like to thank everybody who has donated these specialist kits to our crews across the service. We know the important role pets play and these kits give us the best chance to save even the smallest members of the family.”

Lynn Carbury, from Smokey Paws, said: “We’re really pleased that our life saving kits are now being used by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Smokey Paws was started to try and help firefighters to save pets and the only way we can donate these life-saving kits is through public donations.”

Store manager at Pets at Home Dorchester, Colin Nicholson, said: “As a group that is passionate about the protection of pets, we are extremely excited to partner with Smokey Paws. We know that the apparatus will be put to good use and will help hardworking firefighters rescue pets and hopefully save lives.”

Roger Peters, Logistics Manager at the KONG Company, said: “As animal lovers, we are honoured to help Smokey Paws with donations and ensure that in emergency situations our beloved pets are able to receive the medical attention they deserve. This is a remarkable endeavour and we are proud to be able to help.”

More information about the Smokey Paws kits can be found through their website www.smokeypaws.co.uk